Cluck

Cluck is the the name of my rubber chicken mascot. I adopted him after he was found by some flight attendants after a flight. Since then, I've taken him around with me, mostly as a conversation starter.

This blog has been an idea I've had for a while, and putting Cluck in a few of my pictures seemed like the natural next step.

Unfortunately, in late 2007, Cluck was lost at the Intercontinental Hotel in Sao Paulo, Brazil. He was left at the pool area after a wild party, and never to be seen again, despite repeated attempts to locate him with the Brazilian staff at the hotel. No one really knows what happened. He may have tried to fly, he may hav just been tossed, we'll nevern know.

When I started to return to Sao Paulo after the 777 started to go there, Cluck was remembered by many of the hotel staff. They would ask me where my 'frango' is (chicken in Brazilian Portuguese). I decided I needed new Cluck.

All I wanted for Christmas in 2008 was a new rubber chicken, and a Staples 'That was Easy' button. I did indeed get a rubber chicken, but he was the only one left at Spencer gifts. He was an 'Old Fart' rubber chicken. He had very unchicken-like gray skin, gray hair, and glasses. To add to that, he would fart if you squeezed him. I can just imagine the product develpment guys marrying the age old 'Whoopee Cushion' with a rubber chicken.

Cluck 2 lasted about 2 months. He was quite a unique conversation piece. Probably because he was so dad-gum ugly. And of course, the unsuspecting person would grab him and he'd make a surprising fart sound.

Cluck 2 was literally stolen from me at 'The Cage' bar in Narita Japan. I'm not sure who did it, but with the crowds that frequent that proud Karoake establishment, it could be anybody.
So, if you know the whereabouts of an unclaimed ugly gray rubber chicken, please let me know so he can be returned to his rightful owner.

Cluck 3 was purchased online and is currently in my custody. In his short stint so far as the reigning cluck, he has traveled a lot. To deter another international adbuction, I've graced Cluck with some identifying marks (like his name, and this blog URL) in permanent ink.
So, if you see a rubber chicken in a pawn shop that matches those marks, please contact me so I can claim him!

Anyway, enjoy Cluck's adventures. He's not quite as famous as Flat Stanley, but his reputation is growing with every post!

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Cluck 3 & me

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What? Eggs?

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Mmmm Banana Pizza with Ice Cream!

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Cluck in Sao Paulo

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Tried to fly...

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Cluck 1 in Brussels (RIP)

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Cluck 1 in Brussels

BRU: The Old Inn

Thanks to the advice of some world saavy flight attendants, I've discovered a neat bar just a few minutes walk from the Sheraton Four Points Hotel. It's called 'The Old Inn' and let me tell you, the folks there really know how to have a good time.

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Below is a map to the pub, or you can click on this link to Google Maps.


The food was very good and the sports bar related atmosphere was top notch.

This is the first post with 'Cluck,' my rubber chicken mascot. He was a big hit with the chicks (human variety...) as he refuses to give them any lip (or beak). I guess if I'm gonna have a pecker upstage me, it might as well be a rubber chicken...I'll post more about cluck soon.

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They might let you stand on the bar, if you're so moved.

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A great staff. Cluck bellied up to the bar for the third round...

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A signature shot. I forget what it's called, but the blue flame was cool...
(You drink it through a straw though, so as not to burn your beak)

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Bring the whole crew for a rousing good time.

Naritasan Shinshoji Temple

I visited the Naritasan Shinshoji Temple on a recent Narita layover. It apparently receives many visitors throughout the year. There was generous crowd when I went, but it wasn't obtrusive. I imagine there are lots more folks during the summer months.

The Naritasan Temple is easy to get to. Click on the map below to enlarge it.

I went on a sunny day in late late February, so the surrounding scenery was still a bit gray and wintery. I imagine the view are much better if you can manage to visit in the summertime.

The entire park is very well maintained. It's fun to walk through, and you'll find shrines of varying size and scope throughout the park.

I saw the first 20 minutes of the Buddhist prayer service. They want you to take off you shoes. I didn't understand any of it, so after marvelling at the scenery in the great hall, I quietly left. They don't allow pictures of the main hall.

The only tough part is forcing yourself to get up and do it, since you're body will be wanting to snooze.

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Me in front of the recently constructed Somon Gate (or Grand Gate). You'll marvel at the craftmanship and on such a large scale. There is a public restroom on the opposite end of this square.

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Nioman Gate

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The Three Storied Pagoda near the Main Hall

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I'm not an expert on Buddhism, but these shrines and plaques that look like grave markers are in fact prayer stones.

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The Great Pagoda of Peace towards the rear of the park.

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I took the Green Street on the way back and enjoyed seeing how busy it was. Up until now, I'd only seen the street at night on the way to the Jet Lag Club.

NRT Airport Sushi

I've heard about the airport sushi place from a number of Narita veterans. It's located between gates 32 and 33 on the north side of the concourse. I'm not a sushi connoisseur, but this sushi is the best I've ever had.

There are many different plates you can get. The most common is the mixed plate, that has a good variety of sushi staples plus a spring roll. I've only gotten the mixed plate, as I like the variety, but I've seen other crews get just tuna (sashemi), and a vegetarian plate. Here's a pic,

Sadly, I took it after it was jostled around a bit on the walk to the cockpit, so the sushi does not look as pristine as it was when I first picked it up.
The mixed plate was 1000 (about $10) at the crew rate, which is apparently a good deal for sushi. If they are busy, it can take a while for them to prepare your plate, so you can have ops call ahead for you with your order. That'll save a few minutes.
They only give you two small packets of soy sauce, so if you want some more, just ask before you walk to the airplane. The wasabi mustard sauce packs quite a kick, so unless you want your nosehairs burned off with the reverse wasabi inferno, use sparingly at first.
Enjoy!